Teens arrested after escape attempt into the El Paso desert following traffic stop

EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — Two teenage suspects tried to escape from El Paso law enforcement but hit a dead end following a traffic stop over license plates and a hit-and-run crash.

According to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, 18-year-old Joaquin Velarde and a 16-year-old (not identified) were arrested after they allegedly tried to make a run for it through the desert after the silver Cadillac they were riding in hit a dead-end.

The Sheriff’s Office said deputies began chasing them at around 4:25 p.m. after they tried to pull them over after noticing that the Texas license plates were allegedly registered to a different vehicle. Furthermore, investigators later learned the vehicle had been involved in a hit-and-run; fortunately, no serious injuries were reported for that crash.

Velarde, who was identified as the driver of the vehicle, allegedly didn’t stop and led deputies on a chase through East El Paso County, ultimately hitting a dead end in the 14200 block of Narciso Drive in Horizon City.

At this point, the Sheriff’s Office said the people inside the vehicle climbed out and took off running into the open desert.

With the help of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Clint Police Department, Socorro Police Department, and Horizon City Police Department, deputies were able to chase and catch the suspects.

Jail records show Velarde was booked into the El Paso County Downtown Jail on Wednesday and charged with two counts of evading arrest or detention with a vehicle, two counts of evading arrest or detention and one count of collision involving damage to a vehicle of $200 or more.

According to jail records, Velarde remains in jail as of Thursday afternoon under a bond of $87,000.

Meanwhile, the Sheriff’s Office said the 16-year-old was referred to the appropriate juvenile authorities and was charged with evading arrest or detention.

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